Schools

After resignation approved, former South assistant principal announces school board run

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NEW MARKET — The former Southmont High School assistant principal announced Monday he will run for the at-large seat on the South Montgomery school board in 2022, moments after the board approved his resignation.

Josh Hagenow’s resignation was unanimously approved without discussion as part of the board’s consent agenda in a virtual meeting. A Change.org petition launched by a Southmont parent supporting Hagenow indicated he had been asked to resign.

In a letter posted to the site immediately after the meeting, Hagenow, who joined the school in 2018 and was widely respected by students and staff members, wrote the “recent events at South will remain private out of respect” but that he left on good terms with no wrongdoing on his part.

Announcing his bid for the board seat currently held by Eric Mason, Hagenow wrote he decided to run, in part, after witnessing the highs and lows of current district leadership. He also touted his more than 20 years of experience in education and his time as an administrator.

“I would like to do away with the term ‘High Profile’ that I have heard used to describe families that mean more than others and see that every student has a fair chance at success,” Hagenow wrote.

He added that he would like to “see that our amazing staff members district-wide receive the support that they need while being treated like the professionals they are.”

Attempts to reach Hagenow for additional comment were unsuccessful. Asked for comment about Hagenow’s announcement, Superintendent Dr. Shawn Greiner said, “Our school board is a valued part of our school community. We appreciate the service of our current board members, and we are grateful to have supportive community members who are interested in serving.”

Board president Brad Monts did not reply to a message sent to his school e-mail account seeking comment.

Questions about Hagenow’s future at Southmont first surfaced publicly in January when parent and substitute teacher Jake Watson started the petition to the board titled “We want Mr. Hagenow to stay!”

As of Tuesday morning, the petition had gathered more than 1,500 signatures, including current and former students. Watson, in a post on his personal Facebook page, said he has not been asked to serve as a substitute since the petition launched.

The board met with Hagenow in an executive session on Jan. 27. A special public meeting was then set for Feb. 22 to consider not renewing Hagenow’s contract but the session was later canceled.

In his letter, Hagenow wrote he’s left the education field and will be starting a new career.

“Although I have left education, I need it to be known that I have not walked away from commitment to serve Mountie Nation,” he wrote.


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